KUANTAN, July 24 — Over 100 Form 4 and 5 science-stream students gathered at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Air Putih, Kuantan, Pahang, last July 12 for the third instalment of the East Coast Outreach Programme (ECOP) 2025, a student-led initiative organised by Malaysian Medics International Young Medics (MMIYM), the national student-led branch council of Malaysian Medics International (MMI).
MMIYM is dedicated to supporting pre-medical students across Malaysia by equipping them with essential knowledge, professional exposure, and guidance in exploring careers in health care.
Now in its third year, ECOP 2025 serves as a community outreach programme aimed at empowering secondary school students — particularly those outside the Klang Valley — by bridging the gap in access to health care career exposure.
Through a full day of engaging sessions and meaningful interactions with medical students and professionals, ECOP 2025 provides both inspiration and practical insight into the realities of pursuing a career in medicine and the health sciences, all entirely free of charge.
The programme commenced with a panel talk show on study pathways into medicine, featuring medical and pre-medical students who offered first-hand insights into routes such as A-Levels, Matriculation, Foundation in Science, and Asasi.
Participants also received curated post-event slides to aid further research and decision-making.
Participants then explored the “Introduction to Health Sciences” expo, where booths introduced allied health disciplines such as physiotherapy, chiropractics, nutrition and dietetics, and forensic science. This segment aimed to broaden students’ perspectives of the health care field beyond conventional clinical careers.
One of the highlights of the day was the Healthcare Panel, themed “From Students to Healthcare Professionals: Navigating the Journey in Medicine.”
Here, doctors shared candid reflections on their health care journey — addressing both the emotional and academic challenges, as well as the defining moments that continue to fuel their purpose in health care.
The day concluded with a hands-on station-based exhibition titled “A Sneak Peek into Human Body Systems.” Guided by medical student facilitators, participants rotated through four themed stations focused on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and nervous systems.
Demonstrations such as CPR and reflex testing were tailored to align with the SPM Biology syllabus, making the experience both engaging and educational.
“ECOP 2025 was created to empower secondary school students who may lack access to medical mentors or career guidance,” said Gurjit Sadu Singh, co-chairperson of the event and a former ECOP participant back in 2019.
“Having once been in their shoes, I know how impactful an experience like this can be. We hoped to plant a seed and to show them that a future in health care is not only possible, but within reach.”
Organised by a dedicated 27-member committee from MMIYM, ECOP 2025 reflects the organisation’s core pillars — Connect, Educate, Cultivate — by fostering meaningful interactions between students, medical undergraduates, and health care professionals.
It also served as a platform for medical students to give back to their community while nurturing the next generation of health care changemakers.
For many students, the event marked a pivotal moment in their journey toward a career in health care,and served as a turning point in how they view their future.
For the organisers, it was a testament to the transformative impact of youth-led initiatives in shaping Malaysia’s future health care landscape.
With its continued commitment to outreach and education, MMIYM reaffirms its role in shaping a generation of informed, inspired, and compassionate health care professionals.
